Zedoary / Kachur / Curcuma zedoaria: Classification, Health Benefits & Ayurvedic Uses
Abstract
Zedoary is also known as White Turmeric, Zeodaria or Gajustu. It is known for its rhizomes, which are often used in cooking, traditional medicine and also in cosmetics. Zedoary is a versatile plant with a range of culinary, medicinal, and aromatic applications, and its rhizomes are the most valuable part of the plant. Zedoary is sometimes confused with turmeric or ginger due to its similar appearance, but it has different chemical compounds, giving it its own unique properties. Here, we are going to discuss a detailed description of the Zedoary plant.
Introduction
Zedoary is categorised under Karpooradi Varga in Bhavprakash Nighntu. It is commonly known as Krachura in Sanskrit. It is traditionally used for the treatment of menstrual disorders, dyspepsia, vomiting etc. Rural people use the rhizome of Zedoary for its rubefacient, carminative, expectorant, demulcent, diuretic and stimulant properties, while the root is used in the treatment of flatulence, dyspepsia, cold, cough and fever. Further, let’s discuss the whole description of this herb, along with its properties.
Systemic Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Liliopsida
- Order: Zingiberales
- Family: Zingiberaceae
- Genus: Curcuma
- Species: Zedoaria
Synonyms
- Krachura (Due to its rhizome)
- Vedhamukhya (Contain strong or pungent aroma)
- Dravida (Mainly found in southern India)
- Kalpaka (Ability to heal)
- Shati (Refers to its rhizome)
Other Vernacular Names
- Hindi: Kachur, Gandamatsi, Amb Halad
- English: Zedoary
- Bengali: Sutha
- Telugu: Kacheramu
- Tamil: Kichilikizhangu
- Sanskrit: Shati, Karchura
- Malayalam: Kachooram
- Indonesian: Tempu putih
- Chienes: E zhu, E shu
Habitat
The plant is indigenous to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India and is widely cultivated in China, Japan, Brazil, Nepal and Thailand. In India, it is widely cultivated in the Eastern Himalayas and mainly in Karnataka.
Morphology
The plant typically grows 1-1.5 meters in height and is similar to the turmeric plant. The plant’s size and shape allow it to thrive in tropical and subtropical climates where it receives sufficient moisture. The plant contains many rhizomes and flashy roots. The rhizomes are yellowish white and have a strong odour. The leaves are 30-60 cm long, lance-shaped and arranged alternately on the stem. The leaf stalks are long. Flowers are spike-like inflorescences and yellowish-white in colour. Fruits are triangular and capsule-like. The seeds are white and oval.
Chemical Categorisation
- In Bhavprakash Nighantu – Karpooradi Varga
- In Raj Nighantu – Pippalyadi Varga
- In Dhanvantari Nighantu – Chandanadi Varga
- In Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Aushadi Varga
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa) – Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
- Physical property (Guna) – Light (Laghu), Sharp (Teekshna)
- Potency (Veerya ) – Hot Potency (Usna)
- Post-digestion effect (Vipaka) – Katu (Pungent)
- Effect on tridosha – Balance Vata and Kapha dosha
Therapeutic Properties
- Kushtha (Skin diseases)
- Arshas (Hemorrhoids)
- Vrana (Heals wounds)
- Kasa (Cough)
- Shvasa (Asthma)
- Deepan (Increases digestive fire)
- Ruchikarak (Appetiser)
- Gulma (Abdominal tumors)
- Krimi (Intestinal worm infestation)
- Aesha (Hemorrhoids)
Systemic Actions
- External – It helps to reduce pain and inflammation. Its paste can be locally applied to skin disorders and joint pain.
Internal Uses
- Nervous System – It helps to pacify Vata dosha and improve intelligence.
- Digestive System – It contains digestive, carminative, anthelmintic and mild purgative properties. It helps to stimulate the liver and manage constipation, bloating, abdominal cramps, etc.
- Circulatory System – It acts as a cardiac stimulant and helps to manage edema.
- Respiratory System – It helps to pacify kapha dosha and is indicated in cough and breathing problems.
- Excretory System – It is effective in Dysuria and Urinary tract infections.
- Reproductive System – It contains Aphrodisiac properties and is indicated in uterine contraction, Amenorrhea and Dysmenorrhoea.
Chemical Composition
- Furanodiene
- Furanodienone
- Zedorone
- Curzerenone
- Curzenone
- Germacrone
- 13-hydroxy germacrone
- Dihydrocurdione
- Curcumenone
- Zedoaroneoil
Modern Overview
- Anti-inflammatory activity – Zedoary showed promising anti-inflammatory activity in experimental models. Compounds curzenone and dehydrocurdione obtained from the methanolic extract of the rhizomes suppressed 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) by 75% and 53%, respectively, at a dose of 1 mmol application.
- Antivenom activity – The aqueous extract of Zedoary was investigated for inhibitory activity by binding of anti-cobra venom antibody to the antigen of cobra venom by using the 96-well plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. In this study, the extract was allowed to react with immobilized venom before the addition of antivenom antibody. The extract of Zedoary showed clear inhibitory activity. It was found that the extract targeted neurotoxin and protein-degrading enzymes present in the venom, thus suggesting the use of aqueous extract as an antivenom.
Practical Uses
- Powder of rhizomes of Zedoary is used as a tooth powder for the management of bad breath, cough and hoarseness of voice.
- Paste of rhizomes is applied to wounds and sprains.
- The leaf juice of Zedoary is used for the management of ascites.
- Paste of rhizomes can be applied over the head and body in case of seizures.
- The juice of rhizomes can be used in case of intestinal worm infestation.
- Its rhizomes are used as vegetables in case of Haemorrhoids and diarrhoea.
- Decoction of Zedoary rhizomes along with Cinnamon, long pepper and honey can be used in case of fever, cough and rhinitis management.
Part Used
Rhizomes
Dosage
- Root powder – 1-4 grams
- Decoction – 15-30 ml
Ayurvedic Medicines
1. Classical Products
- Brahmi chyawanprash
- Arvindasav
- Dashmularisht
- Vriddhi Vadhika Vati
- Maha rasnadi kwath
- Sarivadyasava
- Ushirasav
- Balark Ras
- Saptavinshati Guggul
- Kankayan Vati
- Trayodashang guggul
- Chandanasav
- Chavyakarisht
- Maha Sudarshan Kwath
2. Planet Ayurveda’s Products
- Kapha Balance
- Respi Support Capsules
Conclusion
Zedoary, known as “Kachur” in Ayurveda, is a potent rhizome herb valued for its digestive, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Traditionally used to stimulate appetite, relieve pain and treat respiratory and skin disorders, Zedoary holds a key place in classical formulations for its carminative and antimicrobial actions. Its balancing effect on Kapha and Vata doshas makes it highly effective in managing conditions like indigestion, colic pain, inflammation and menstrual discomfort. With its strong presence in both ancient and modern herbal medicine, Zedoary remains a versatile and essential component of holistic Ayurvedic healing.
